Rubén G. Mendoza
The Mission Under The Mission: Excavating Carmel’s Forgotten Past

Mary Ann Carbone
The Regional Indigenous Mission Experience

What survives beneath the restored grandeur of Mission San Carlos Borromeo? In this compelling talk, archaeologist Dr. Rubén G. Mendoza examines Carmel Mission’s buried architecture, artifacts, and contested histories. Drawing on excavations conducted from 2003 to 2005, he recounts the search for a legendary subterranean Wine Cellar and explores discoveries that reshaped the mission’s architectural story. Foundations, Roman-mortar floors, ceramics, Indigenous shell beads, roof tiles, food-processing tools, and other remains reveal changing patterns of construction, labor, daily life, and cultural encounter. Dr. Mendoza also traces the impact of the devastating earthquakes of 1800 and 1812, which transformed the church and convento and influenced later rebuilding. Along the way, he considers what archaeology can illuminate about Native California, colonial ambitions, religious practice, preservation, and historical memory – as well as what remains hidden. Join us at the Stanton Center for an unforgettable journey beneath Mission Carmel.

Sand City Mayor Carbone (Chumash) will speak about the Indigenous experience at regional missions, and share interesting family stories